Judge discharges himself from case

The three week trial of two Belfast men for murder came to an abrupt halt at Belfast Crown Court yesterday

The three week trial of two Belfast men for murder came to an abrupt halt at Belfast Crown Court yesterday. At the request of the defence, Mr Justice Pringle discharged himself from the case after ruling that evidence of interviews with Mr Mark Bellringer (21) was not admissible.

Mr Bellringer, of Thompson House, Antrim Road, and Mr Christopher McMillan (21), of Kansas Avenue, deny the murder of Mr Norman Anthony Harley, a hairdresser.

Mr Harley's body was found near a lake at Waterworks Park in north Belfast on November 27th. He had died from injuries to his head and body.

The two men were put back in custody until a date is set for a new trial before a different judge.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter